A fluidic-enabled polarization reconfigurable antenna on a hexagonal substrate tile

A design for a reconfigurable antenna is proposed which has polarization reconfigurability, tunable impedance bandwidth, and a modular hexagonal topology for array tiling. A fluid channel with alternating plugs of Eutectic Gallium-Indium alloy and a low-loss perfluorocarbon heat transfer fluid provide variable control of the coupling between a central driven patch and four tapered parasitic arms. These are used in combination with an orthogonally-offset dual probe feed to obtain polarization diversity. Coaxial Stub Microfluidic Impedance Transformers connected to the arms enable impedance tuning through reactive loading to enable frequency agility. Simulated results are provided to illustrate the basic performance of the antenna.